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Eden Ventures CERTIFIED

Firm Rating:

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FIRM OVERVIEW: Medium Private VC founded in 2004 based out of Bath, UK (Europe)

FIRM DESCRIPTION: Eden Ventures was set up by software engineers who became serial entrepreneurs and investors. We look to invest very early and bring our operational experience and network to bear for our portfolio companies.

Posted by
Anonymous
on 2013-04-20

PUBLIC:

While the rest of the partners may be trustworthy, a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. Sadly our experience with Ben was poor. Lack of transparency, lack of commitment (he didn't show to a meeting leaving many startups disappointed) and improper communication (he directly contradicts everything the Eden website states in his one liners).

Posted by
amanaplanacanal
on 2010-02-22

PUBLIC:

Eden is a small fund run by multiple serial entrepreneurs. Having pitched to them as an entrepreneur and consultant several times they have always taking our pitches very seriously, leaned forward and offered advice.

We engaged in extended discussions with this firm via partner Ben Tompkins. Ultimately they declined to invest, although the conversation ended seemingly on a friendly and positive note.

One or two weeks later, to our considerable surprise, the CEO of a well-known Eden portfolio company, of which Ben Tompkins was a director, contacted and attempted to recruit a key employee whom Ben had met during a due diligence visit to our office. This CEO used a private email address and did not mention his company name, but it did not take much effort to identify him. He said he had heard of this employee via the "industry grapevine."

During Ben's visit he had complimented us on having created the role this employee held, and mentioned that he was encouraging one of his portfolio companies to create a similar role. This employee does not mix at industry events and would not have been known to the other company via the "industry grapevine." Furthermore, the email address at which our employee received the message is one that appears only on their business card which was handed to Ben during his visit, and is not one they use for routine correspondence.

So although there is no absolute smoking gun, the circumstantial evidence seems pretty strong to us. As a result, we would never consider getting involved with Eden on any level, and we question the integrity of the CEO who was willing to act on the information presumably passed to him by Ben.

Posted by
Newtype
on 2008-12-19

PUBLIC:

Nice guys with a great entrepreneurial background. Dealt with them a couple of times,
they took the time to understand the proposition and the market and did not waste time once they were not convinced.

Posted by
bndrw
on 2007-11-13

PUBLIC:

Recently closed with Eden and experience so far is very positive. Passionate, enthusiastic, strong on mentoring and, because of their entrepreneurial background, understand what we're going through and the support we need. Other portfolio companies report similarly positive outlook. Proactive approach similar to the West Coast outfits - much needed and very missing in Europe. They're also nice guys!

Posted by
Y2K
on 2007-03-16

PUBLIC:

Respected team of entrepreneurs who have now gone into investing their own as well as LP money. Clearly will be able to add value for any start up company by refining business model and keeping costs low. Good operating experience. Raised first fund just over a year ago so well worth pitching to. Interesting mix in current portfolio but focused on software.